Introduction to Chemical Engineering (CBE 20255)
University of Notre Dame, Spring 2016
Prof. Bill Schneider
Office: 123b Cushing
wschneider@nd.edu, phone 574-631-8754
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Classroom: 356A Fitz.
Lecture MWF 10:30-11:20
Tutorial M 3:30-4:20
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Welcome to your first course in Chemical Engineering! Engineering is a way of thinking: a problemsolving, goal-oriented mindset founded on sound quantitative, scientific concepts. In Chemical
Engineering, those concepts primarily involve chemical processes: processes that involve moving
stuff around, mixing it up, reacting it, separating it, heating or cooling it—as happens in engineered
chemical systems as small as a microbe and as large as a petroleum refinery. These are all topics
you will learn about in the three core Chemical Engineering courses: Thermodynamics, Transport,
and Reactions. To get you prepared, first you must become familiar with the terminology, basic
problem solving techniques, and core concepts and applications of mass and energy conservation
(“balances”). That is what this course is about.
Chemical Engineering is a concept-rich field and a demanding course of study. Good study
habits start now. I strongly encourage you to keep up with the reading and homework and to feel
welcome to ask questions in class. Don’t be bashful: if you don’t understand something, chances
are some of your classmates (and perhaps even your instructor!) don’t either.
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Text
Richard M. Felder, Roger W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard, “Elementary Principles of Chemical
Processes,” Wiley, 3rd or 4th ed.
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Lecture and Tutorial
The topics and example problems will be covered during lecture. Attendance is expected, and
you should be prepared to ask and answer questions. The tutorial period is a time for you to ask
questions of the Instructor and TA, work with your classmates, and get assistance with homework
assignments. Attendance is optional, other than for the three quizzes that are scheduled during
the tutorial periods.
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Homework
Ten graded problem sets will be distributed during the semester and will be due at the beginning
of class on dates to be announced. Assignments turned in late will automatically lose 20%,
and those turned in after the solutions are posted will not be accepted. Your two lowest
scores on homework will be dropped. You may discuss the homework with your classmates, but
what you turn in must be your own work.
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Homework Defense
To help me get to know you and how you are doing with the course, after each homework assignment
three of you will be chosen at random to meet with me one-on-one to defend their homework answers.
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Grading
Grades will be based on the homework (25%), two in-class exams (30%), three tutorial quizzes
(15%), and a cumulative final (30%).
January 14, 2016
© 2016 W. F. Schneider
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Web
This syllabus, reading assignment, the homework assignments and solutions, and a summary of
the lecture schedule with any useful supplementary material is available on the web at http:
//www.nd.edu/~wschnei1/courses.shtml.
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Academic honesty
Should go without saying. Any cheating or misrepresenting of work as your own will be dealt with
according to the Honor Code policies of the university. I reserve the right to relocate any students
during an examination at my discretion.
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Professional courtesy
As a courtesy to the instructor and your classmates, please refrain from texting, web browsing,
tweeting, updating, or using your phone or laptop for any purpose during class time. If you must
use an electronic device, excuse yourself from class.
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Office hours
The TA and instructor are happy to answer questions during regular office hours or by appointment
if you need extra help.
Dr. Bill Schneider
123a Cushing
M, 4-5 pm
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Mr. Sichi Li, sli12@nd.edu
150 Fitz
W, 4-5 pm
Course Calendar
(subject to revision)
1/18
Tutorial
1/25
Tutorial
2/1
Quiz 1
2/8
HW 3
Tutorial
2/15
Tutorial
2/22
HW 4
2/29
Tutorial
3/7
BREAK
January 14, 2016
1/13
Welcome!
1/20
HW 1
1/27
2/3
1/15
1/22
1/29
HW 2
2/5
2/10
2/12
Exam 1
2/17
2/19
2/24
2/26
3/2
HW 5
3/9
BREAK
3/4
3/14
Quiz 2
3/21
Tutorial
3/28
Easter
4/4
Tutorial
4/11
HW 8
Tutorial
4/18
Quiz 3
4/25
Tutorial
3/16
HW 6
3/23
Exam 2
3/30
3/18
4/6
3/25
Good Friday
4/1
HW 7
4/8
4/13
4/15
4/20
HW 9
4/27
Last class
Final Exam
TBD
4/22
4/29
HW 10
3/11
BREAK
© 2016 W. F. Schneider
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